Magical Atoll Idle/Idyll

The Islands of French Polynesia present a spectacular contrast from one group to another.

There are 5 separate groups, each characterised by geographic features which reflect the geological age of the group.

Niku Hiva, Marquesas-breathtaking scenery.

Our first port of call,  the  Marquesas islands, consist of volcanic outcrops,  not yet old enough to have had coral reefs develop around them. The islands are steep sided with deep anchorages in bays which are formed mainly by collapsed craters.

Four and twenty Blackbirds enjoying the Polynesian scenery along with Legend.

The next group on our route, the Tuamotu's,  are the most ancient of the French Islands. The Volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the coral reefs which surround them. The reefs now form a ring of coral outcrops and small islands around a lagoon.

Rangiroa Lagoon- Tuomotes- Palm Island fringes

The lagoons are accessed by passes, large and small, terrifying and placid, which need to be negotiated in order to enter the shelter of the shallow, sandy anchorages therein.

Al and I used our week in the Tuamotu's atolls to rest and relax after the Pacific passage.

We swam and snorkeled with sharks and rays and colourful fish in coral gardens, read our books, ate at restaurants large and small, went for walks and the toughest test of our mettle was the odd bicycle trip around the sandy islands.

Brompton folding bikes circumnavigating the globe....

We finished our idyllic sojourn with a visit to a Black pearl farm..where poor Al misread my words...which stated that I wasn't "that keen on black pearls".

 He didn't get the real message ..("I'd love some black pearls but am waiting to see if you care enough to buy them for me.") and when he didn't actually buy any for me, I sulked for an ungracious week!

I had to wait until Bora Bora before he got the mixed signals and unvoiced sentiments.. but he did come through in the end..... Watch this space.

Beautiful black pearl and a dud....bit of a gamble considering both oysters required 5 years of nurturing.

Pearl farmer tending his crop.

Husband of sulking wife wondering what he has done wrong!